BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Model report · 2005–2025
92.3%
first-time pass rate
4.1%
failed outright
4,786
median miles at test
221
MOT tests, 2005–2025

The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.

What fails on a VEGA

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lighting and signalling
5 31.2
tyres and wheels
3 18.8
driving controls
2 12.5
fuel and exhaust
2 12.5
brakes
2 12.5
reg plates and vin
1 6.2
steering and suspension
1 6.2

Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.

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Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 1970 (98.4% pass). Weakest: 1971 (90.6%).

89%95%100%1970: 98.4% pass (64 tests)1971: 90.6% pass (85 tests)19701971

First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.

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